Luna Community College Criminal Justice Program Associate of Arts Degree 2012 2015 Curriculum Profile Content Page Program Goals 2 Approvals 3 Degree / Certificate Requirements 4 & 5 Course Descriptions and Outcomes 6-12 Assessment 1 Revised 06-09-14
Program Goal The Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice is interdisciplinary, with criminology, sociology, law, history, psychology, and political science contributing to the field. This program provides an overview of the relationships that exist within the criminal justice system; specifically focusing on the role of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Students are given opportunities to apply learned concepts to real life situations. The goal of the Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice is two-fold: 1. To prepare students for entry-level employment positions in criminal justice and related fields; and 2. To encourage students to continue their education at a four-year college or university in pursuit of baccalaureate and advanced degrees. While this degree transfers to all New Mexico four-year colleges and universities, individual courses are accepted by the receiving institution on a course-by-course basis. A student graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice should: Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system in American society. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development, role, and function of law enforcement, Courts, and corrections and describe the relationships between all actors within the criminal Justice system. Analyze and evaluate the foundations of criminal law and procedure. Convey knowledge of fundamental theories of crime causation. Comprehend and demonstrate how juvenile justice developed as a separate system. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within the context of criminal justice. Demonstrate analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills in communicating issues related to criminal justice. Apply fundamental research skills by displaying, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and Quantitative data. Analyze and evaluate ethical conflicts and employ ethical theories, principles and moral Reasoning skills involving issues related to criminal justice. Articulate how the criminal justice system is influenced by factors such as politics, Geography, economics, culture, biology, history, and social institutions. Student graduates should also be able to: Transfer degree program and specific coursework to four-year educational institutions. Be prepared to pursue a baccalaureate degree in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to: criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, social work, political science, or pre-law. Enter the workforce and compete for entry-level employment positions in criminal justice and/or related fields. 2 Revised 06-09-14
Approval: Dr. Vidal Martinez Director Humanities Criminal Justice Faculty 3 Revised 06-09-14
CRIMINAL JUSTICE Associate of Arts Degree Minimum of 69 Credit Hours This program is an interdisciplinary course of study in the areas of law enforcement, substantive law, court structure and process, and corrections as integral components of the criminal justice system. An emphasis is placed on the historical, psychological, sociological, and political aspects within criminal justice. To enhance the written communication and report writing skills of the student, the concept of writing-across-the-curriculum is utilized. Institutional Proficiency and Other LCC Requirements In addition to the courses listed below for this program of study, students must also complete institutional proficiencies of ENG098 and MATH075. Degree Requirements Credit Hours: 69 General Education Core...(36 hours) Area I. Communications...(9 hours) ENG111 Freshman Composition I 3 ENG115 Freshman Composition II 3 SPCH111 Public Speaking Area II. Mathematics... (4 hours) MATH180 College Algebra 4 Area III. Laboratory Science... (8 hours) Area IV. Social and Behavioral Sciences... (9 hours) SOC101 Introduction to Sociology (required course) Area V. Humanities and Fine Arts... (6 hours) Program Requirements...(27 hours) CJ111 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 CJ121 Introduction to Corrections 3 CJ131 Introduction to Law Enforcement 3 CJ200 Professional Ethics 3 CJ201 Criminal Law 3 CJ215 Juvenile Justice System 3 4 Revised 06-09-14
CJ225 Criminal Procedures 3 CJ231 Criminal Investigation 3 CJ233 Report Writing and Documentation 3 Related Studies...(3 hours) CSA150 Computer Fundamentals 3 Approved Electives...(3 hours) CJ205 Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections 3 CJ210 Deviant Behavior 3 CJ221 Law Enforcement and Community Relations 3 CJ260 Management in Law Enforcement 3 CJ298 Criminal Justice Internship 3 LAW242 Business Law 3 SPAN101 Beginning Spanish I 3 5 Revised 06-09-14
Program Requirements CJ111: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits) A survey of the structure of our criminal justice system, including an overview of the American legal system, goals of criminal justice, the role of police and police operations, the function of the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system. NM Common Course Number: CRJI1113. Describe the historical development of the American Criminal Justice System. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, court systems and corrections. Relate criminal justice principles and concepts to current empirical/ real life events. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills in evaluating criminal justice issues, policies, trends and disparities. Demonstrate cultural awareness and its diverse effects on the criminal justice system. CJ121: Introduction to Corrections (3 credits) An introductory exposure to the history and development of the correctional system in the United States involving a look at modern prisons, correctional clientele, probation, parole, and community based corrections. NM Common Course Number: CRJI2303. Describe the historical foundations and development of the corrections system in the United States as a means to punish and rehabilitate criminal offenders. Demonstrate knowledge of the roles that the federal, state, and local governments play in corrections. Understand correctional law as it applies to offenders and correctional professionals. Describe community corrections, probation, and intermediate sanctions. Evaluate modern prison systems, i.e., organization, role of correctional officers, prison population characteristics, nature of prison violence, community reentry, parole, supervision, etc. Demonstrate cultural competence and its effect on the corrections system in the United States. CJ131: Introduction to Law Enforcement (3 credits) The course examines the history and evolution of law enforcement into the 21st Century. Topics include traffic control, crime-scene investigation, interrogation, search and seizure, arrest, and community policing. Describe the history of law enforcement and the historical foundations of American policing. 6 Revised 06-09-14
Demonstrate knowledge of law enforcement, i.e., police role and function, police and community interaction, crime control, discretion, public perception, and preservation of democratic ideals within the criminal justice system. Describe federal, state, and local law enforcement and the duties and responsibilities associated with each agency. Evaluate police actions in the context of statutory and Constitutional law. Evaluate ethical issues in policing. Demonstrate cultural competence and its effect on policing with regard to diversity in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, etc. CJ200: Professional Ethics (3 credits) The course surveys moral reasoning and issues in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on the application of ethical theories to practical decision making within criminal justice and related professions. Prerequisite: CJ111. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical theories and relate learned theories to criminal justice issues. Develop and articulate moral and ethical reasoning skills. Apply moral and ethical reasoning to decision-making situations within criminal justice. Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills as applied to criminal justice. Communicate criminal justice knowledge effectively, both in writing and orally. Demonstrate cultural awareness and its diverse effects on the criminal justice system. CJ201: Criminal Law (3 credits) Criminal Law provides an overview of the American legal system with particular emphasis on criminal substantive law. The course addresses the essential elements of crime, crimes against the person, property, and the public, as well as factual, statutory and constitutional defenses to crime. Prerequisite: CJ111. NM Common Course Number: CRJI2053. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of Criminal Law, including: federalism, sources of law, elements of a crime, and factual and statutory defenses. Demonstrate case briefing skills by extracting the facts, issue, rule of law, and conclusion from criminal cases. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking skills regarding legal issues. Demonstrate fundamental research and oral communication skills in presenting information related to substantive law. CJ215: Juvenile Justice System (3 credits) A study of juvenile justice administration, including juvenile court practices, procedures, and jurisdiction, along with the role of police officers and other correctional personnel within the juvenile justice system. Prerequisite: CJ111. NM Common Course Number: CRJI2603. 7 Revised 06-09-14
Compare and contrast the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Apply fundamental theories in determining causes of juvenile delinquency. Demonstrate knowledge of the processes used in handling juveniles within the juvenile justice system. Demonstrate analytical, research, and writing skills relating to juvenile justice and delinquency issues. CJ225: Criminal Procedure (3 credits) This course examines Constitutional aspects of criminal procedure, from pre-arrest to appeal. The course focuses on the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, including search and seizure, police interrogation and surveillance, and the trial process through sentencing and appeal. Prerequisite: CJ201. Analyze and evaluate the criminal process from pre-arrest to appeal. Demonstrate knowledge of the Constitutional aspects and rights applicable to criminal procedure. Apply advanced case briefing skills by extracting procedural history, facts, issue, rule of law, and conclusion from landmark criminal cases. Relate criminal procedural understanding by attending, observing, and reporting on real criminal court proceedings. Apply fundamental legal research skills. CJ231: Criminal Investigation (3 credits) This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of the investigative process associated with crime scenes. The course will focus on information gathering, legal aspects of investigation, types of evidence, chain-of-custody requirements, interview and interrogation techniques, search and seizure requirements, and arrest. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CJ111. Show basic understanding of the four types of investigations and demonstrate the ability to provide examples of each. Demonstrate understanding of the role of criminal investigation and its relationship to the criminal justice process. Demonstrate knowledge of the stages of the criminal investigation process through the recreation of a crime scene, e.g., crime scene sketch, crime scene narrative and performance of a proper interview and/or interrogation. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills in criminal investigation scenarios. CJ233: Report Writing and Documentation (3 credits) This course covers report writing, appropriate documentation, client case notes, and form preparation for agencies within the criminal justice field. Emphasis is placed on proper language and grammar usage. Prerequisites: CJ111 and ENG111. 8 Revised 06-09-14
Demonstrate the differences in technical, academic and literary writing and when the use of each style is appropriate. Exhibit improved writing through the use of criminal justice specific formats and rules. Demonstrate the ability to research criminal justice topics, synthesize information and orally present research results. Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills in criminal justice scenarios. Related Studies CSA150: Computer Fundamentals (3credits) This course provides an overview of the basic components and functions of the computer with an emphasis on current business software applications. The course will cover computer operating principles, file management, the Internet, Microsoft Office Suite using Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, Access database, and PowerPoint Presentations. NM Common Course Number BCIS1113. Describe the basic information technology terminology. Identify and use hardware components of IT systems. Describe and apply concepts of file management. Describe the basic concepts of application and operating systems software. Describe and use IT systems for communications (e.g. word processing, presentation software, email, etc.). Describe the concepts of information management, databases, and database management systems. Describe the social impact of information technology. Describe international impact of IT issues. Identify and explain important ethical, security, and privacy issues in information systems. Create and use spreadsheets. Create and use databases. Use Internet search engines for research. Approved Electives CJ205: Probation, Parole and Community Corrections (3 credits) This course offers an exploration into community corrections with an emphasis in theory and practice of probation and parole. Some topics include: pretrial release, diversion, supervision, and community-based services. Prerequisite: CJ111. 9 Revised 06-09-14
Demonstrate knowledge of community corrections, theory, and practice. Demonstrate ability to create a resource directory of agencies organizations, and services in the community that serve clients who may be on probation, parole, and/or other community corrections programs. Demonstrate fundamental research and oral communication skills. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the leading intermediate criminal sanctions (community-based sanctions) as alternatives to incarceration and their positive and negative implications. CJ210: Deviant Behavior (3 credits) Applying sociological theory and principles, this course covers an analysis of human behavior that is contrary to the standards of conduct or social expectations of a given group or society. Prerequisite: SOC101. Explain the historical, social, and contextual implications of deviance as a fluid concept. Apply criminological theories of deviance in determining causes of criminal behavior. Demonstrate research adeptness, writing proficiency, and analytical skills in the production of a theoretical paper relating to criminal deviance. CJ221: Law Enforcement and Community Relations (3 credits) This course will provide a perspective of developing positive community relations through citizen involvement in the justice system and the treatment of victims, witnesses, and jurors. Prerequisite: CJ111. Discuss the historical development of the community policing model. Describe the assumptions and theoretical perspectives leading to the development of community policing. Assess the relationship between law enforcement and the community they serve. Compare and contrast community policing and problem-oriented policing. Evaluate the ethical issues in police-community relations. CJ260: Management in Law Enforcement (3 credits) The course is about law enforcement managers and supervisors, their jobs, and the complicated interrelationships with all members of the law enforcement team and between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Prerequisite: CJ111. Discuss the historical development and evolution of law enforcement structure and organization. Describe law enforcement management and leadership styles. Demonstrate knowledge of basic management skills, such as: communication, hiring personnel, decision making, time management, budgeting, and managing costs, etc. 10 Revised 06-09-14
Develop skills in managing problems, such as: discipline and problem behaviors, complaints and grievances, conflict resolution, stress, burn-out, etc. CJ298: Criminal Justice Internship (3 credits) This course provides students the opportunity to gain supervised practical experience in a local law enforcement agency, corrections department, or other related criminal justice agency. Students are not paid for their work and supervision is shared between the specific agency and the criminal justice advisor. Prerequisite: At least 12 credit hours completed in Criminal Justice and Instructor approval. Articulate principles learned in and outside of the classroom and apply them to the specific agency where student is interning. Complete assignments that encourage in-depth reflection of the internship experience. Demonstrate self-understanding, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills while performing assigned tasks. Demonstrate work competencies for a career in criminal justice or related profession. LAW242: Business Law (3 credits) The course describes the sources of law and explains dispute resolution and the court systems in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the operation of the legal system and contract laws. This course will provide students with an understanding of ethics and social responsibility, the ethical application of the law and the relationship between ethics and the law. NM Common Course Number: BLAW2113 Describe the sources of law. Describe and explain dispute resolution and the court systems in the United States. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of negligence, intentional torts and strict liability. Describe and apply the essential aspects of contracts from creation, performance, breach and remedies. Explain the Uniform Commercial Code law of sales, negotiable instruments and secured transactions, especially articles 2, 3, 4, and 9. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics and social responsibility, the ethical application of the law, and the relationship between ethics and the law. SPAN101: Beginning Spanish I (3 credits) The course is designed to include the essentials of first-year communicative functions, grammar skills, and cultural overview of different Spanish speaking countries. NM Common Course Number: SPAN1113 Have a better understanding of the grammar and usage of the Spanish language. Increase their vocabulary and be able to use them in sentences. Better understand spoken and written Spanish. 11 Revised 06-09-14
Increase their reading skills. Will appreciate Spanish culture and heritage. Use appropriate pronunciation, structure and vocabulary to communicate orally with speakers of Spanish, answering questions or making simple descriptions. Read and understand authentic documents in Spanish for cultural information. Write simple texts (shopping lists, descriptions, postcards, forms) using knowledge of vocabulary, culture and basic grammatical structures. Analyze oral, written and visual sources (phone messages, menus, advertisements, cartoons) of information about Hispanic culture and compare and contrast with what the students know of their own culture. 12 Revised 06-09-14
13 Revised 06-09-14